A sailing vessel is specifically designed to use sails as its primary means of movement on the water. The sails harness wind energy, allowing the vessel to navigate by catching the wind and directing it in such a way that it propels the boat forward. This mode of propulsion is fundamental to sailing vessels, enabling them to travel at varying speeds depending on the wind conditions and the skill of the sailor.
In contrast, the other types of vessels mentioned — fishing vessels, power-driven vessels, and cargo vessels — primarily rely on different forms of propulsion. For example, fishing vessels often utilize engines for movement, as do power-driven vessels, which typically operate with motors powered by fuel. Cargo vessels can also be either powered or use sails, but if they are power-driven, they would not be classified as sailing vessels. Thus, while a cargo vessel may carry cargo, it does not define the way it moves if it’s primarily engine-driven rather than relying on sails. This distinction makes "sailing vessel" the correct answer in the context of the question.